A ceremony of remembrance was held at Eastern Michigan University's 9/11 Memorial in memory of those lost during the terrorist attacks and the first responders on Sunday, Sept. 11.
EMU vice president of communications Walter Kraft served as the master of ceremonies. Mika Green sang the national anthem, which lead into a moment of a silence. Chimes and taps were performed by EMU percussionist Louis Vajda and EMU trumpet player Anthony Vigliotti.
Guest speaker Chaplain Schindel said a few encouraging words and Pastor Sarah Jackson led the crowd in prayer. Mika Green sang God Bless America, followed by the crowd placing carnations on the 9/11 beam. Over 100 people were counted in attendance of the ceremony.
The beam that is part of the EMU 9/11 Memorial was originally part of the World Trade Center in New York City before the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
A large truck was transported to Hanger 17 at the John F. Kennedy Airport to bring the 6,800-pound steel beam back to Michigan. The beam was donated on Aug. 3, 2011 and the EMU 9/11 Memorial was constructed within 30 days in dedication of Sept. 11.
The EMU 9/11 Memorial is located behind Pease Auditorium at the corner of East Cross Street and Perrin Street. "It's a good bridge between the city and the university," said EMU vice president for operations and facilities John Donegan.
The designers had originally thought to put the beam up in the air so that no one could touch it, but later decided against it. Donegan and the designers wanted to make sure that everyone had the opportunity to feel the intense emotion that comes with just touching the monument.
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